< Back Claire Fuge The Siren's Daughter Book blurb... 1126. The Norman conquest grips Wales. Rebellion stirs. And one woman’s choice could ignite it all. Nineteen-year-old Angharad, the daughter of a Norman knight and a captive Welsh princess, arrives at Aberteifi Castle for her mother's arranged marriage. But her new stepfather, the merciless Norman commander of the castle, has other plans. He demands that Angharad expose her mother, Nesta, as a secret rebel or be cast out to die. To survive, Angharad presses Nesta to reveal the truth about her past: as a Welsh princess stolen by invaders, the victim of wars and betrayals, the seductress of kings and princes. As Nesta’s story unfolds, Angharad discovers a legacy more dangerous than she could have imagined, and must decide whether to protect her mother or herself… Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Trigger Point Love and loss on a mountainside in Montana, by Juliet Rose. Zoey Sanders is a paramedic intern, completing her final rotation with the Mountaintop Search and Rescue, in the Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana. A new dog handler arrives at base camp, Micah Byrne, with his two dogs, Trek and Chef. Micah is deaf and communicates with his dogs via hand signals. Zoey is immediately attracted to Micah, and they become close friends. Zoey knows a little sign language and she is able to communicate with Micah using finger spelling. As Micah settles into base camp, he teaches Zoey American Sign Language. Zoey and Micah’s relationship becomes intimate, and Zoey moves into Micah’s cabin. But their relationship is put to the test when there is a huge avalanche on the mountain, triggered by a drunk man on a snowmobile. Over twenty-five people are on the mountainside, with multiple buried and many injured. As the team deal with the injured, a toboggan carrying dead bodies arrives in base camp. Zoey soon learns that one of the dead is her little brother, Charlie, who was out on the mountain snowboarding. Zoey is distraught and takes a leave of absence from Search and Rescue, moving back into her parent’s farmhouse. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Zoey pushes Micah and her loved ones away. Zoey’s parents decide to sell the farmhouse and Zoey returns to the mountain. How will Zoey cope when she returns to the place her little brother died? And can she restore her relationship with Micah? Trigger Point is an emotional, heart-breaking and gripping romantic drama of love and loss, by author Juliet Rose. Zoey meets the love of her life on a mountainside in Montana, but everything changes when her little brother is killed in a catastrophic avalanche. Zoey’s life is shattered, as she struggles with grief and pushes away everyone around her. Rose portrays death and grief honestly, sensitively and with compassion. Her prose is heart-rending, and I was overcome with emotion on several occasions. This is a beautifully written novel, with well developed, likeable and interesting characters. I particularly liked the introduction of a strong lead character with a disability. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heart-breaking, emotional and gripping romantic drama about love and loss. Purchase here

< Back John Yurechko Second Thoughts: Poem and Passages Book blurb... Second Thoughts is a second volume of poetry by John Yurechko following his previous book, Head Lines. Both are writings meant to be read out loud, either alone, or with others. The collections span over seven decades of the author’s life, reflecting on his youth in Pennsylvania, years in California and Virginia, his travels abroad. Exploring simple yet complex topics and everyday events, the writings journey from the most personal to the universal, from the immediate to the timeless. There are poems about family, friends, co-workers, and people I have met, and mysteries of the worlds around us. Poems on language, life, love, sex, anger, pain, health, growing old, death, beauty, marriage, family, children and grandchildren, friendship, work, steel mills, plants, time, the infinite, the universe, the cosmos, creation, the ocean, history, the future, the past, the small, the large, religion, sports, the self. The poems ask a lot of questions; sometimes answering, sometimes not. Purchase here

< Back Julie Cadman UnMasked A year that changed history, and the lives of the Blake family, by author Julie Cadman UnMasked tells the story of the Covid19 pandemic through the eyes of three generations of the Blake family; seventy-three-year-old grandmother Patti; her daughter, forty-eight-year-old Jenni; and granddaughter, sixteen-year-old, Kylie. The three women describe their personal experiences during the Covid19 pandemic, their individual struggles as the world went into lockdown, their relationships with other family members and how they changed during the pandemic, and how they found hope during this time of unprecedented change. Prior to the pandemic, Patti was the life and soul of the party, she loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends, but as life slowed down during the pandemic, she felt lonely and isolated from her loved ones. With increasing amounts of time spent alone, Patti reflected on her life, which brought to the surface unresolved grief. Jenni struggled with the demands of working from home and looking after three teenage children, the youngest with autism and severe medical needs. She also faced financial struggles as first her husband lost his job, and shortly after she was laid off from her job as a Chief Marketing Officer. Jenni was forced to reassess her life, and her relationship with her mother, which had been strained for many years. Teenager, Kylie, was sad and frustrated at missing out on school, social events, sports activities, and major milestones, such as her driving test, which was cancelled several times during the pandemic. She was inadvertently caught up in the conflict between her mother and grandmother. UnMasked is an honest and heartfelt novel by author Julie Cadman. This is a fictional novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the voices of the three women. The novel deals with some of the key challenges faced by ordinary people during the pandemic, including fear of catching the virus, vaccine hesitancy, loneliness, isolation and mental health issues, working from home, home-schooling, travel restrictions, and many more. It also describes some of the benefits of lockdown, such as lie-ins, cooking together, and family time. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different experiences and perspectives of three strong female characters, each in a different boat in the same storm . This is an engaging and insightful book, that will resonate with women and girls of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An honest and heartfelt novel, about a year in the life of three women during the Covid 19 pandemic. Purchase here

< Back Teri M Brown Daughters of Green Mountain Gap An Appalachian granny woman. A daughter on a crusade. A granddaughter caught between the two. Maggie McCoury, a generational healer woman, relies on family traditions, folklore, and beliefs gleaned from a local Cherokee tribe. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, believes her university training holds the answers. As they clash over the use of roots, herbs, and a dash of mountain magic versus the medicine available in the town’s apothecary, Josie Mae doesn’t know whom to follow. But what happens when neither family traditions nor science can save the ones you love most? Daughters of Green Mountain Gap weaves a compelling tale of Maggie, Carrie Ann, and Josie Mae, three generations of remarkable North Carolina women living at the turn of the twentieth century, shedding light on racism, fear of change, loss of traditions, and the intricate dynamics within a family. Author Teri M. Brown skillfully navigates the complexities of their lives, revealing that some questions are not as easy to answer as one might think. Purchase here

< Back J. Paul Rieger, Jr. Sunscreen Shower Baltimore Detective Kev Dixit is back, in this sequel to Clonk! Detective Kev Dixit is covering for his Sergeant in the Baltimore City Police Criminal Investigation Division when a report of an alleged double murder comes in. Husband and wife, Christian Robert and Joanne Matthiesen, are found dead in their home. The evidence points to a murder-suicide, but a possible third-party shooter cannot be ruled out. Dixit is assigned to the investigation and soon discovers some oddities about the case. Days before the crime, Mr Matthiesen transferred large amounts of cash from his account to an investment bank in the Grand Caymans, while DNA profiling of the victims turns up some peculiar results. As the investigation continues, Dixit foils an armed robbery at a bank, and is drawn into a car bombing investigation, while a sexual predator is on the loose and is terrorising women across Baltimore. Running parallel to the investigation is the story of Klos, a man who believes Dixit killed his father and will stop at nothing to find the detective and get revenge. M eanwhile, Dixit’s old high school friends and entrepreneurs, Waxley and Switzer, are busy trying to promote their new book while also considering a new business venture. Sunscreen Shower is a sequel to J. Paul Rieger’s book Clonk! which follows the misadventures of a group of friends who met at Ignatius High School. Each man has chosen a different path in life, and a couple have taken the wrong track, but remained close in adulthood. The novel centres largely on Detective Kev Dixit, and the stories of the other characters are interwoven throughout. Rieger seamlessly weaves together a gritty crime investigation, with a dark, delirious comedy. It is a delicate balancing act that Rieger executes with aplomb, ensuring the comedy enhances rather than undermines the gravity of the crimes. Dixit is a likeable character, although somewhat of an unexpected hero. He is a character you will not forget, and his investigations with Baltimore City Police are sure to leave a lasting impression. With multiple, intriguing plotlines and a cast of quirky characters, this is a must read for fans of crime fiction and dark comedy alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A clever, funny and wonderfully strange crime detective novel. Purchase here

< Back Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War An enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, from author and Vietnam veteran Edgar Doleman Arlen Washington is an angry and troubled young man, stricken with grief following the death of his beloved mother, his ‘Big Ma’. Arlen joins the Air Force, to avoid being drafted into the war in Vietnam, but he is sent there as a gunner on an armed cargo aircraft, known as ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’. When his plane, the ‘Spooky 45’ is shot down and crash lands in the jungle, the crew survives but one man is severely injured. Arlen disconnects a powerful minigun from the plane’s wreckage to defend the crew against enemy attack before an Army platoon arrives to rescue them. But the Army’s tank gets stuck in a ditch and Arlen and a fellow gunner, Otis, are left stranded with the platoon, while the rest of the crew leave to get medical attention. Arlen is thrust into a jungle battle, where he finds a sense of purpose and belonging in the brutality of war. Arlen’s Gun is an enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, told sensitively and with compassion by Edgar Doleman, a war veteran with twenty years’ service and two-tours of Vietnam. The book is an authentic and honest portrayal of the horrors of war, and the experiences of ordinary men who risked their lives in the Vietnam war. Doleman writes about the conflict in clear and vivid detail, drawing on his own first-hand experiences of warfare. The novel is beautifully written and easy to read, with a helpful glossary to help those less familiar with military terminology. The book will appeal to fans of military fiction, and anyone interested in the Vietnam war. A beautiful tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and all those who risk their lives every day in the name of war. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written novel and tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and risk their lives every day in the name of war. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Alexander Semenyuk The Illuminated Book blurb... After the apocalypse comes, the Earth still spins, and for some, it’s not the end but the beginning of a new life. As hard as it is, dreams still exist, and for one lonely man, the dream is seeing the ocean at least once, so he sets off on the most dangerous journey together with his loyal dog. Purchase here

< Back Rachel Elwiss Joyce Lady of the Castle Lady of the Castle by Rachel Elwiss Joyce is a compelling historical novel set in late 12th-century England, centering on Nicola de la Haye, a real-life hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. Rachel Elwiss Joyce crafts a vivid tapestry of love, loyalty, and betrayal against the backdrop of political upheaval, religious tension, and personal struggle. Joyce excels at immersing readers in the medieval world. The novel is meticulously researched, with authentic depictions of castle life, feudal politics, and the precarious position of women in power. The siege of Lincoln Castle, food shortages, and the threat of violence against the Jewish community are rendered with gripping realism. For example, Nicola's management of supplies and her strategic thinking during sieges highlight the daily pressures of leadership in a turbulent era. The characters are complex and nuanced. Nicola is portrayed as a formidable yet deeply human protagonist. Her struggles with authority, motherhood, and marriage are explored with empathy and nuance. The supporting cast—including her husband Gerard, her children, and members of the Jewish community—are equally well-drawn, each facing their own moral dilemmas and growth. The evolving relationship between Nicola and Gerard, marked by misunderstandings, loyalty, and eventual reconciliation, adds emotional depth. The novel highlights the challenges faced by women in positions of authority. Nicola's determination to defend her inheritance and her people, even when undermined by male counterparts, is both inspiring and historically significant. The narrative does not shy away from the limitations and prejudices of the time, making Nicola's achievements all the more remarkable. Readers seeking a novel that combines action, emotional resonance, and historical insight will find much to admire in Joyce's work. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A standout work of historical fiction, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. It offers a powerful portrait of a woman who defied expectations and shaped her own destiny. Purchase here

< Back Micah Briarmoon A Haunting Deception Jared Davenport is a successful architect who is working as a delivery driver to make ends meet, following his divorce from a wealthy heiress. When he is given a new delivery route in the Bobcat Mountain neighborhood, he is surprised to see Bellevue House - an old house he thought was burned to the ground many years ago. Jared fell in love with the house early in his architect career and planned to renovate it with his ex-wife before it was condemned by the city. Years later, the owner of the house burned it down, killing her husband, before turning the gun on herself. When Jared delivers a package to Bellevue he meets the owner, a beautiful young woman and fellow architect. Jared is instantly attracted to the woman and falls completely under her spell. Meanwhile, Detective Brandon Spencer of the Lake Valley Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a young woman named Nong Ekamai. He believes her disappearance is linked to other strange abduction cases. In each case, the victim disappeared at a local Education Centre, and was found years later immediately before the next victim disappeared in the exact same spot. Each victim suffered from ‘ unresponsive wakefulness syndrome’ and was unable to speak about their ordeal. As Detective Spencer considers the similarities in the cases, Nong is unexpectedly found at the Education Centre. At the same time, Jared’s daughter reports him missing. A Haunting Deception by author Micah Briarmoon is a chilling supernatural novel, which blends horror, suspense and folklore. The novel follows Jared Davenport, who mysteriously disappears during his rounds as a delivery driver. As the police and his daughter desperately try to find him, they discover a connection to a strange house and other abduction cases. When traditional investigative techniques fail, Detective Brandon Spencer is forced to seek the assistance of the church and a shaman. With great characterisation, and plenty of horror and suspense, this is a unique and fresh take on the typical haunted house genre. A must read for fans of horror and supernatural thrillers. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : A chilling supernatural novel and a fresh take on the haunted house genre. Purchase here

< Back Burnest Gemingway GOD MADE A farmer God Made a Farmer tells the story of Everett Wooden, a humble Mid-west farmer who strives to make a living growing wheat. But when a deadly stem-rust disease destroys his crops, Everett struggles to feed his family and the community. Together with his family and neighbors, Everett attempts to develop a rust-resistant strain of wheat. Through relentless hard work, faith, and neighborly support, they overcome many challenges to create a new seed that not only saves their community but also feeds the world. Everett’s journey is marked by quiet heroism. He refuses many accolades and commits to keeping the seed affordable for small farmers. His efforts culminate in a global impact when his wheat is airlifted to India and other countries facing famine. Everett’s humility and steadfast principles inspire those around him, including his family, who embody his values of perseverance and generosity. Everett’s story is not just about farming but about the power of small, consistent acts of goodness. His refusal to let greed or pride dictate his actions ensures that the seed remains a gift to humanity. The tale ends with Everett’s enduring influence, as his values inspire future generations. It’s a testament to the profound impact of one man’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, no matter how hard the effort. Burnest Gemingway’s God Made a Farmer is a sprawling, poetic homage to the grit, humility, and resilience of the American farmer. The book explores the intersection of faith and science, showing how the two can coexist to combat hunger and hardship. The narrative is both intimate and expansive, blending the personal struggles of Everett and his family, with the global stakes of wheat producers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A tale of faith, science, and community, exploring the profound impact of one man’s steadfast commitment to the land and the people it feeds. Purchase here

< Back MM Myers Threads of Time Book blurb... A collection of poems from over the years whenever something major happened in my life most times I would put it in my journal. Sometimes with tears dripping down my face about a loved one that had gone on home, be it my mom or my aunts or even my pastor, each one a blessing in their own way. Overall God was constant and steadfast in my life even when times were very difficult. It was in those times I learned to truly lean on my heavenly father. I learned to be thankful even in those very difficult times. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I continue to strive to be content in all things, even with the fridge goes out and the water heater was just replaced, that is when I must remind myself at least we have these things that make life, a bit easier and not everyone can say just that. Purchase here